The folks over at TFNation have something naughty to share with us all... IDW artist - but currently splashing it big on the covers of several other publishers too - Nick Roche will be attending the 2017 edition of the Birmingham fan convention! Check out more info below.

The engineers have finished reinforcing the foundations, the barriers are erected, and crowd control is in place... so now we can safely announce the return to TFNation 2017 of Nick Roche!

We are honoured that he has elected to grace us with his presence, so precious is his time these days! The last few years have seen him tackling a wide range of work and demand is ever-growing, providing covers for ROBOTECH, JUDGE DREDD and DEADPOOL VS PUNISHER, as well as interior artwork for Marvel’s DEATH'S HEAD & NEW WARRIORS, and co-creating the horror comedy MONSTER MOTORS with 'Minions' screenwriter Brian Lynch….and on top of all this he also collaborated with Brit rockers The Darkness to not only provide a cover for their album LAST OF OUR KIND, but an entire music video for hit single BARBARIAN. What’s more, he's busy working on his own creator-owned project… we hope to hear more about that over the weekend!

And then there's this little thing called Transformers.

A fan since the Marvel UK days and a member of the long-running TransMasters UK creative community (which also brought us the talents of James Roberts and Jack Lawrence), Nick first worked on IDW’s Spotlight series, followed by Devastation, Maximum Dinobots and a notable issue of All Hail Megatron. Following numerous covers for various series, Nick stunned the Transformers community with critically acclaimed 2010 mini-series LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS, which broke hearts, shattered trousers and whose influence has been felt in Transformers ever since.

His continuing involvement has seen him provide alternate covers for almost every issue of MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE and LOST LIGHT to date, as well as a return to writing with the notably strong SPOTLIGHT: MEGATRON and, most recently, to once again put the Autobot's premier black ops team through the wringer with SINS OF THE WRECKERS.

Nick will be signing autographs and selling artwork, somewhere in the middle of the art-fan equivalent of a moshpit, at TFNation 2017 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel - we look forward to seeing you there!

We are pleased to announce that the ever-charming Stephen Baskerville will be attending TFNation 2017.

A seasoned comic and concept artist, Stephen has lent his talents to countless projects during his career, with no sign of letting up. Providing comic art for characters as diverse as Spider-man, Judge Dredd, Snake Plissken, various denizens of the Beano-verse, the JSA and Thomas the Tank Engine as well as videogame designs for the likes of Reservoir Dogs, SpongeBob Squarepants, GI Joe, Doctor Who and Barbie (sadly not all appearing in the one title, that’s one crossover ripe for the taking).

But it’s for his Transformers work that many of our attendees will both recognise and appreciate Stephen’s art, with a new generation of fans discovering his talents through Hachette’s TRANSFORMERS DEFINITIVE G1 COLLECTION. We look forward to discussion on this release, alongside Fellow TFNation guests Simon Furman, Bob Budiansky and series (re)colourist John-Paul Bove

Working on the British G1 comic, inking for artists including Andrew Wildman, Stephen’s distinct style brought a polished organic edge to many a Cybertronian. After popping back briefly to ink the last edition of the TRANSFORMERS ARMADA comic, a full return to the franchise was announced with the start of IDW’s REGENERATION ONE series, along with the aforementioned Andrew Wildman, writer Simon Furman, artist Guido Guidi and colourist John-Paul Bove, the latter two of whom he continued to collaborate with on the DRIFT: EMPIRE OF STONE miniseries

Another guest update from TFNation 2017, as they gear up to start revealing the whole programme for August's event in Birmingham, UK. The archivist of the Transformers world - official and not: Jim Sorenson! Check out more info below.

Whilst we begin announcing events and panels for this year’s TFNation, it’s important to note we still have a couple of guests to announce, including an individual whose support and commitment to UK Transformers fans has seen him become an invaluable ally of Team TFNation… ladies and gentlemen, Mr Jim Sorenson!

Jim has a passion for researching the details behind the various shows, movies and comics of the franchise. He came to fans' attention when he deciphered the Maximal and Predacon languages used in the TV series Beast Wars. Eventually, he began to share his vast knowledge with fans online, through his blog Disciples of Boltax.

Jim's interest in collecting and researching turned into a career with 2007’s Transformers: The Ark, a collection of over 500 G1 animation models, published alongside collaborator and friend Bill Forster. A year later, the pair were back with a sequel, this time showcasing character models from the Japanese Generation 1 animated series.

Since then, Jim has released numerous publications on the franchise, all snapped up by eager fans. The Allspark Almanac (volumes 1,2 and combined printing) are considered a treasure trove for fans of the series, over-flowing with easter eggs and hidden references, while subsequent works on Transformers: Prime and GI Joe rewards fans of those series. In recent years, Transformers: Legacy made G1 fans rejoice with its painstakingly researched prints of (almost) all the original Transformer G1 box. Recently, Jim produced The Art of The Angry Birds Movie, tying into their Hollywood debut.

Jim has continued to contribute to the TF community in many ways, including the "Ask Vector Prime" for the BotCon magazines as well as his TFNation 2016 work, which included the script reading, giving the audience a few suprises during the show.

We are aware that Jim is working on a project involving the TF Universe, but are unable to go into any further detail at present… fingers crossed Jim will be able to unveil the project at our August convention.

Jim will also be signing autographs, chatting with fans and considering his Billy cosplay at TFNation - Friday 11th until Sunday 13th August 2017 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at TFNation - we look forward to seeing you there.

The folks at TFNation 2017 have chosen to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the live-action Transformers movies by inviting along a guest who has been there for a good chunk of them! Voice of Bumblebee (2007), Jetfire (2009), and Lockdown (2014), plus a new role in The Last Knight: Mark Ryan! Check out more information below, and head here for tickets!

Transmission InitiatedTransmission ID: 00022TFNation_2017

Operation: Mark Ryan places TFN on Lockdown!

Hero. Villain. Bounty hunter.

As a special surprise to celebrate a decade of live action movies, we are thrilled to be welcoming the multi-talented Mark Ryan to TFNation 2017!

Though we already had a fully packed guest list this year, we simply could not pass up the opportunity to welcome Mr Ryan to our celebrations. As you will see, his CV is incredible.

In 2007's Transformers, Mark provided the touching end dialogue for Bumblebee, the fun-loving Autobot who quickly established himself as a brand leader. He also performed the role of Ironhide in the video game affiliated to the movie.

For 2009's Revenge of the Fallen, Mark took on the role of the aged and opinionated Jetfire. A legendary Decepticon seeker who defected to the Autobots.

However, Mark is perhaps best known to Transformers fans for his part in 2014's Age of Extinction, where he brought big screen life to the movie's antagonist, and fan favourite character, Lockdown. A bounty hunter tasked with retrieving Optimus Prime on behalf of the mysterious Creators.

If you take a trip down to your local cinema this week, you will be able to hear (and maybe even see!) Mark in this year's new movie, Transformers: The Last Knight... But no spoilers from us, we will let you find him!

In addition to the above, Mark interacts with human characters to provide the on set voice and presence of many Transformers, before they are added in via the magic of CGI. This means he has an incredibly rich experience of life on a Transformers movie set, as well as post-production work.

Away from giant robots, Mark's career continues to be wonderfully diverse. From originating the role of Magaldi in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita, to appearing as the loyal Mr. Gates in the pirate show Black Sails, Mark really has done it all.

Some of his notable filmography entries include Charlie's Angels, Convicted, The Thirst and The Prestige. He also composed and performed in a musical adaptation of Wuthering Heights. But for many, Mark will be forever tied to his role as Nasir in the 80’s TV series Robin of Sherwood - this represented the first time a Muslim character had been part of the mythos and Ryan’s impact was so great, the concept carried over to later productions such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the 2006 Robin Hood TV series, to become a mainstay of the classic tale.

Oh... and he's also a master swordsman who provides fight scene training to other big name Hollywood actors. We're not making this up!

As with all our guests at TFNation, Mark’s appearance is subject to availability. However, we should make you aware that Mark will be working on a top secret film project around the time of the convention, which could potentially affect his schedule. Armed with that knowledge, please take any opportunity you can to say hello to Mark as he is a wonderfully generous person and loves to meet Transformer fans.

Mark will be meeting fans, signing autographs, but will hopefully refrain from transforming his face into a giant cannon, at TFNation which will run from Friday 11th and Sunday 13th August 2017.

Yeeeyyy!!!! Hope he can make it, I love his Lockdown. And I wish he had stayed to voice Bee through all the movies, it was perfect for the guy. Hmmm. Which movie do I get him to sign? I guess AOE. But TF1 would have more sentiment value. Ah, decisions decisions.

Insurgent wrote:Yeeeyyy!!!! Hope he can make it, I love his Lockdown. And I wish he had stayed to voice Bee through all the movies, it was perfect for the guy. Hmmm. Which movie do I get him to sign? I guess AOE. But TF1 would have more sentiment value. Ah, decisions decisions.

Why not both? I'd get him to sign RotF as well cos I liked Jetfire a lot.

I have anxiety, depression and aspergers syndrome so my behaviour can be erratic. I don't mean offense to anyone. Just very picky about my Transformers collecting. You're all cool!

Insurgent wrote:Yeeeyyy!!!! Hope he can make it, I love his Lockdown. And I wish he had stayed to voice Bee through all the movies, it was perfect for the guy. Hmmm. Which movie do I get him to sign? I guess AOE. But TF1 would have more sentiment value. Ah, decisions decisions.

Why not both? I'd get him to sign RotF as well cos I liked Jetfire a lot.

Actually, that's a good point. There isn't a limit, is there (within reason). I'll get both signed.

Another guest update comes to us from the folks at TFNation, featuring an artist that has united old and new fans, and one loved by several across the board: Geoff Senior! Check out more information about the event and his presence below, and make sure to grab your tickets if you're planning to attend next month!

As a certain Transformers writer might once have mentioned - it never ends! If we have the chance to bring our attendees another guest who holds a prime place in the TF fandom, then we are going to take it. So it is with great pleasure that we announce that Geoff Senior, one of the bastions of the Marvel UK Transformers comic, is attending TFNation 2017!

From issue #42's 'Crisis Of Command' to 'On The Edge Of Extinction', Geoff brought his unique style to both the UK and US Marvel series; his bold angles and framing perfectly complimenting his partner-in-crime, writer Simon Furman. Indeed, many members of the current generation of professional Transformers artists cite Geoff's work as a key influence and inspiration.

Beyond the G1 comic, Geoff's influence has made itself felt through many iterations of the franchise from the likes of Generation 2, Titan's Transformers live-action movie books and convention exclusive stories, all the way through to IDW's Regeneration One. His art is now featuring prominently in Hachette's Definitive G1 Collection introducing a new generation to the classic series.

Outside of Transformers, Geoff teamed with Simon Furman to create everyone's favourite Freelance Peacekeeping Agent, Death's Head, as well as the British team Dragon's Claws. His art can found in Action Force/GI Joe, Doctor Who, Zoids, Dark Angel, 2000ad and Judge Dredd: Lawman of the Future, and many others.

It's hard to believe in our current comic climate but much of Geoff's original artwork from those days are scattered to the four winds. To rectify this travesty, Geoff has recently been taking on commissions, allowing people to take home their very own piece of dynamic Senior art... news that will hit many fans right in the retros! Contact Geoff at his website for more information at http://www.geoffsenior.com/

Geoff will be signing autographs and selling artwork from Friday 11th until Sunday 13th August 2017 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at TFNation 2016 - we look forward to seeing you there!

Va'al wrote:Another guest update comes to us from the folks at TFNation, featuring an artist that has united old and new fans, and one loved by several across the board: Geoff Senior! Check out more information about the event and his presence below, and make sure to grab your tickets if you're planning to attend next month!

As a certain Transformers writer might once have mentioned - it never ends! If we have the chance to bring our attendees another guest who holds a prime place in the TF fandom, then we are going to take it. So it is with great pleasure that we announce that Geoff Senior, one of the bastions of the Marvel UK Transformers comic, is attending TFNation 2017!

From issue #42's 'Crisis Of Command' to 'On The Edge Of Extinction', Geoff brought his unique style to both the UK and US Marvel series; his bold angles and framing perfectly complimenting his partner-in-crime, writer Simon Furman. Indeed, many members of the current generation of professional Transformers artists cite Geoff's work as a key influence and inspiration.

Beyond the G1 comic, Geoff's influence has made itself felt through many iterations of the franchise from the likes of Generation 2, Titan's Transformers live-action movie books and convention exclusive stories, all the way through to IDW's Regeneration One. His art is now featuring prominently in Hachette's Definitive G1 Collection introducing a new generation to the classic series.

Outside of Transformers, Geoff teamed with Simon Furman to create everyone's favourite Freelance Peacekeeping Agent, Death's Head, as well as the British team Dragon's Claws. His art can found in Action Force/GI Joe, Doctor Who, Zoids, Dark Angel, 2000ad and Judge Dredd: Lawman of the Future, and many others.

It's hard to believe in our current comic climate but much of Geoff's original artwork from those days are scattered to the four winds. To rectify this travesty, Geoff has recently been taking on commissions, allowing people to take home their very own piece of dynamic Senior art... news that will hit many fans right in the retros! Contact Geoff at his website for more information at http://www.geoffsenior.com/

Geoff will be signing autographs and selling artwork from Friday 11th until Sunday 13th August 2017 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at TFNation 2016 - we look forward to seeing you there!

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation

Where All Are OneEnd_transmission

This could make my birthday kinda awesome if I can get there.

I have anxiety, depression and aspergers syndrome so my behaviour can be erratic. I don't mean offense to anyone. Just very picky about my Transformers collecting. You're all cool!

In the midst of one big convention, let's update you on another! We've now received the schedule for next month's TFNation, the unoffical Transformers convention in the UK! Check out all the programming and panels and tell us in the forums below if you'll be attending!

The schedule is also available to download as a PDF file which you can print or save to your mobile device, and will be displayed prominently during the TFNation weekend, to ensure attendees don't miss out on any of our features.

Please be aware that like the Transformers themselves, all events, timings, and guests are subject to change.FRIDAY 11th AUGUST 2017Important - The traders' hall and Forge will not be open on Friday.

12:00 - 12:20Transformers fans: Unite!Panel RoomOne room. One fandom. All we need is you! A social meet, for those who arrive early. A great, informal way to meet new friends at the start of a fun-filled weekend.

15:00 - 15:50Colour CommentaryPanel RoomJoin long time Transformers comic colourists John-Paul Bove and Josh Perez for an informal discussion about life behind the stylus

16:00 - 16:50It's a Brave New WorldPanel RoomIntroducing Brave – the anime and toyline which Transformers would have been, had the original series continued through the 90s. Lead by the knowledge base of Sid Beckett, Simon Barlow and Matt Clarke.

18:00 - 18:50The Matrix TestMain HallGet your combiner teams to the ready as the walking supercomputer that is Chris McFeely challenges you with a quiz that would stump Vector Sigma.

19:00 - 19:50Heavy Metal War RectifiedMain HallChris McFeely and the Mapes brothers take a look at this classic episode, which has now been extended with newly unearthed storyboards and vocal outtakes from the 1980s!

20:00 - 20:20Protect/Destroy: 10 Years of BayhemMain HallMulti-credited Transformers actor Mark Ryan looks back at a decade of destruction at the box office.

20:30 - 23:00Live Action MovieMain HallIn 2007 the franchise underwent its biggest transformation ever. Join us as we look back to Hoover Dam...

23:00 - ClosePerchance to DreamPanel RoomLooking for a relaxing end to day one? Join Adam and friends for a selection of Transformers bedtime readings.SATURDAY 12th AUGUST 201708:30 - 21:00Registration Check-In and Ticket SalesRegistration DeskCollect your wristbands and t-shirts or buy tickets from our dedicated Registration Desk in the Monarch Foyer area.

09:00Breach their defences!Main HallDoors to the traders' hall open to Weekend ticket holders only.09:00Breach their defences!The ForgeDoors to The Forge and display area open to both weekend and day ticket holders.

10:00Open, Dammit Open!Main HallDoors to the traders' hall open to day ticket holders

10:00 - 10:50Get on with the CeremonyMain HallJoin us as TFNation 2017 officially gets underway with our opening ceremony. See all of our guests for the first time, and learn what we have in store for the weekend.

15:00 - 15:50Venus Terzo: Dark Poison of our HeartsMain HallMeet the real Blackarachnia as we sit down to discuss the career of the incredibly talented Venus Terzo.

16:00 - 16:50Transformers: The Definitive G1 CollectionMain HallLead by the legendary Simon Furman, a host of creators take a look at the incredible new presentation of classic tales by Hachette.16:00 - 16:50Podcast PanelPanel RoomMoonbase 2 host and community champion Andy Millman will bring joy to your audio receptors in this podcast panel.

17:00Traders' and Forge halls close17:00 - 17:50The Transformers YouTube Community PanelPanel RoomWhether you are a long-time member of TTYC, or a new convert, be sure to pop along and meet the crew at their annual gathering!SATURDAY NIGHT (FOR WEEKEND TICKET HOLDERS ONLY)19:00 - 19:20Welcome to ClubconClubconWeekend ticket holders, take your places for an evening of entertainment that is more than meets the eye!

12:00 - 12:50Cosplay PanelPanel RoomJoin Isa and Tori as you discover just what goes into making a Transformers cosplay.

13:00 - 13:50Triple Take-OverMain HallA round up of the hottest news in third party toys.

14:00 - 14:50Re-AnimatedPanel RoomChris McFeely and Jim Sorenson talk you through the epic journey that lead to their TFA themed graphic novel: Trial and Error. If you're lucky you may get to meet the artists too!

15:00 - 15:50Mark Ryan: Permission to SpeakMain HallWe sit down with the voice of Bumblebee, Jetfire, Lockdown and more, to discuss his varied career on and off the Transformers movie sets.

16:00 - 16:50Lost LightMain HallJames Roberts and Jack Lawrence answer questions about the natural successor to the highly acclaimed Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye.

17:00The Forge ClosesThe Forge

17:00 - CloseClosing CeremonyMain HallJoin us as we bring the show to a close.

I wish they would number the rooms or something. I can't tell the colour coordination. Although they at least have written it beside each event this time, instead of last year where it was purely colour. So that's good.

Allow me to introduce myself: Im Genericon! But you can call me Genny or Gen!

If you're coming along to TFN2017, we'll be seeing a lot of each other. Sooooo I wanted to step out of the data banks and tell you a little bit about... well, me!

I'm the TFNation communications bot. My job is to keep you all well informed about the convention! You know all those Transmissions TFN sends out... spoilers... they're all from me! Like, literally me... my alt mode is a datapad, dontcha know?

I'll be popping up from time to time during the show to make sure you're all headed in the right direction. Wouldn't wanna stray into a Decepticon trap now, would you? I mean, TFNation is *supposed* to be a respected neutral territory, but some 'Cons just have issues with the rules, know what I mean?

Look out for me on signs, banners, brochures and... oh, hey! Last year I soooorta recorded my experience attending the convention for the first time. It might be useful for any other newbies nervous about their first year, so keep your optics online and I'll transmit that as soon as.

Speaking of which, I'm going to TFNation! Hooray! I'll hopefully have some kind of identifying feature so if any fellow Seibertronians are there we can recognize each other/exchange notes/get into vicious brawls over frivolous crap etc.

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